Societies MDPI

11/12/2025

New article published in Societies:

“Perceptions of the Benefits and Barriers to Anti-Human Trafficking Interagency Collaboration: An Exploratory Factor Analysis Study.”

This study investigates how key stakeholders perceive the strengths and challenges of interagency collaboration in anti-trafficking efforts. Using exploratory factor analysis, the authors identify critical dimensions that influence coordination, information sharing, and organizational effectiveness.

Read the full article: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4698/13/2/38

To effectively address human trafficking, it is increasingly recognized that anti-human trafficking efforts need to include a collaborative approach between agencies most likely to come into contact with human trafficking victims and offenders. While literature is available that discusses the benefi...

11/12/2025

Now available in Societies:

Trust in Healthcare, Medical Mistrust, and Health Outcomes in Times of Health Crisis: A Narrative Review.

The authors provide an in-depth overview of how trust and mistrust shape patient decision-making and health system performance during crises.

Access the article here: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4698/14/12/269

Background/Objectives: The concepts of trust and distrust in health systems during health crises are significantly related to public adoption of health behaviors and health outcomes. The aim of this review is to examine trust and mistrust during times of health crisis, such as periods of viral pande...

11/12/2025

Welcoming Distinguished Invited Speaker — Prof. Dr. Delfín Ortega-Sánchez!

We are delighted to announce that Prof. Dr. Delfín Ortega-Sánchez will join us as an invited speaker in Session 4: Equity/Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at IOCSO 2026!

In an insightful presentation titled “Social Representations of Teaching Controversial Issues in Secondary Education: A Study with Pre-Service Teachers from a Central Core Theory Perspective,” Prof. Delfín Ortega-Sánchez will lead us through a critical exploration of how to turn challenging conversations into opportunities for connection and understanding. A conversation worth joining!

We look forward to seeing you at IOCSO 2026!

📅 Registration for free:
https://sciforum.net/event/IOCSO2026

10/12/2025

We are pleased to announce the publication of an important contribution to the field of disability research:

“Intersectionality of Disabled People through a Disability Studies, Ability-Based Studies, and Intersectional Pedagogy Lens: A Survey and a Scoping Review.”

This article provides a comprehensive examination of how disability intersects with other identities and structural factors, integrating insights from disability studies, ability-based approaches, and intersectional pedagogy.

Read the full article: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4698/14/9/176

Disabled people face many social problems in their lives, as outlined by the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. These problems often increase when disabled people also belong to another marginalized identity. The first aim of this study was to report on the extent and what int...

10/12/2025

📢 New Research Published!

We are pleased to present “Forecasting Construction Cost Index through Artificial Intelligence”, a compelling study that explores how cutting-edge AI models 🤖 can enhance the accuracy of construction cost predictions 🏗️📈.

The article demonstrates how integrating machine learning and advanced analytics can support better planning, budgeting, and decision-making across the construction sector.

Discover how AI is transforming forecasting and reducing uncertainty in one of the world’s most dynamic industries.

🔗 Read the full paper here: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4698/13/10/219

This study presents a novel approach for forecasting the construction cost index (CCI) of building materials in developing countries. Such estimations are challenging due to the need for a longer time, the influence of inflation, and fluctuating project prices in developing countries. This study use...

10/12/2025

📢 New Article Published!

We are excited to announce the publication of “Towards Marketing 4.0: Vision and Survey on the Role of IoT and Data Science” in Societies.

This paper offers a comprehensive look at how 📡 IoT technologies and 📊 data science are reshaping Marketing 4.0—enhancing customer experiences, enabling smarter decision-making, and driving digital transformation across industries.

Dive into the authors’ insights on the future of marketing and the innovative tools steering it forward.

🔗 Read the full article here: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4698/13/4/100

According to KPMG, Internet of Things (IoT) technology was among the top 10 technologies of 2019.

10/12/2025

New Article!

“Democratizing Higher Education: The Use of Educational Technologies to Promote the Academic Success of University Students with Disabilities”

This study explores how innovative educational technologies can remove learning barriers, strengthen inclusion, and foster equal opportunities for students with disabilities in higher education.

Read the full article here: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4698/13/3/57.

09/12/2025

Join the Vanguard of Social Change at the 1st International Online Conference on Societies (IOCSO 2026)！

✨ Guided by Conference Chair: Prof. Dr. Gregor Wolbring | University of Calgary, Canada

📅 Mark Your Calendar: 21–23 January 2026
🌍 Access from Anywhere: Fully Online
🎫 Register Today: Completely Free Engage with pioneers and redefine the landscape of social thought.

🔗 Reserve your place now and explore the agenda:

https://sciforum.net/event/IOCSO2026?section=

08/12/2025

📢 New Article Release!

🔍 New Perspectives for Human and Artificial Intelligence Interactions for Leadership e-Recruitment

This insightful study explores how AI-driven tools are reshaping leadership hiring processes and how human–AI collaboration can enhance decision-making, fairness, and efficiency in e-recruitment.

This article offers a forward-looking understanding of how technology is transforming talent acquisition at the leadership level.

🔗 Read the full article here: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4698/13/3/55

In order to adapt to the post-pandemic era, e-recruitment systems should change their requirements to search for a more competitive leader profile. These systems currently search for individual skills specific to leaders, taking into consideration whether a leader has the required skills and abiliti...

08/12/2025

📢 New Article Published!

🔍 Children’s Online Safety: Predictive Factors of Cyberbullying and Online Grooming Involvement

This study provides valuable insights into the key factors that influence children’s vulnerability to cyberbullying and online grooming, offering evidence-based understanding crucial for educators, policymakers, child-protection practitioners, and digital platform stakeholders.

This important contribution deepens the conversation on digital well-being and supports ongoing efforts to create safer online environments for children.

🔗 Read the full article here: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4698/13/2/47

The increase in the use of the Internet, strongly boosted by the spread of COVID-19, has amplified the risk of involvement in cyberbullying and online grooming among minors. To date, most research on these phenomena has focused on middle and high school students, with fewer studies on younger childr...

05/12/2025

📢 Call for Papers — Special Issue Announcement

📝 Contemporary Digitalized Gender Politics: Sociological Thinking on Gender and Sexualities in Communication

We are pleased to announce a new Special Issue dedicated to exploring how digitalization is reshaping gender politics, identities, and sexualities through communication practices and media environments. This issue invites interdisciplinary contributions examining contemporary dynamics at the intersection of gender, technology, and society.

👥 Guest Editors
• Dr. Daniel Cardoso
• Dr. Sara De Vuyst
• Dr. Inês Amaral

🗓 Submission Deadline: 30 September 2026

📚 For more details and submission guidelines, please visit:
https://www.mdpi.com/journal/societies/special_issues/S12989H1MW

05/12/2025

📢 New Article Release!

🤖 Digital Mirrors: AI Companions and the Self

As AI companions rapidly enter everyday life, they are reshaping how individuals perceive identity, connection, and emotional fulfillment. This article explores the growing phenomenon of AI-mediated companionship and its profound impact on self-understanding in the digital age.

📚 Read the full paper here: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4698/14/10/200

This exploratory study examines the socio-technical dynamics of Artificial Intelligence Companions (AICs), focusing on user interactions with AI platforms like Replika 9.35.1. Through qualitative analysis, including user interviews and digital ethnography, we explored the nuanced roles played by the...